The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concerns over plans by the federal government, through the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to ban the production of alcohol in sachets and PET bottles, describing it as a deliberate destruction of businesses of local investors who had kept faith with the nation’s economy, even at challenging times.
The association, in a statement issued by its Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir on Wednesday, argued that going ahead with such a policy would also be against the right of private entrepreneurs to invest and engage in legitimate business.
It argued that contrary to reasons being adduced by NAFDAC for the ban,, there are no empirical facts to link the availability of the alcohol beverages in sachets and PET bottles to the noticeable rise in alcohol abuse among the under-aged.
The association stated that rather than embark on a complete ban on the production of the drinks, as a way of checking alcohol consumption by young persons under the age of 18, all relevant agencies of government must be strengthened to effectively undertake their responsibilities.
It also noted that instead of throwing the over 500,000 workforce of the industry into the labour market, the government should come up with an access control mechanism to ensure that the drinks don’t get to unintended consumers.
“It is important to know that the industries have invested hundreds of billions of naira not only in the business but over time in packaging and distribution.
“Most of the huge investments are backed by enormous indebtedness to both foreign and local financial institutions. It should also be borne in mind that before the investment made by the companies, in the packaging, distribution, logistics and advertisement of their products, the necessary approval was obtained, thus prompting them to make said investments. This is what the ban is going to wreck for no justifiable reason.
“To go ahead with the policy based on perceived danger, without empirical information, and not minding the consequences is unfair to the industry operators, the thousands of workers that will lose their jobs, and inimical to the Nigerian economy,” MAN stated.
It, therefore, urged the government to intensify its activities and support in the form of access control and tighter regulations, instead of a ban, which, it argued, would be counterproductive;
While calling for the immediate reversal of the ban, the association also counselled the government on the need to establish licensed liquor stores/outlets by LGAs across the country.
It also advised that, besides stricter enforcement by security agents, suspected underage persons (under 18), should be required to show their identity card at the point of purchase of any alcoholic beverages as practised in other climes.
